A journal, photo diary, discussion forum, and advice column on the miracle called dogs...

Monday, May 21, 2012

GOLDEN OLDIES

I’ve loved dogs ever since I was a child. Something about them never ceased to fascinate me, and I knew right then that I would share a never-ending romance with them.

I had two pet dogs to start with. Brownie – a rust coloured pariah – belonged to my paternal grandfather and Blackie – also a pariah – was my maternal grandfather’s. Since my parents’ houses are right beside each other, I had the privilege of enjoying the company of both these canines through my early childhood.

Brownie was the more laid-back of the two…enjoying a frequent siesta on the cool mud benches in the balcony or even on the sofa in the hall if he fancied it (much to the wrath of my mother).

Blackie, on the other hand, was the sport…chasing speeding motorcyclists, playing fetch with my uncle, or taking a quick plunge into the creek just across our house. In fact, anytime he was near the creek, he would leap into my uncle’s arms and indicate that he wanted to be launched into the water.

Once in his water world, it was very hard to persuade him to come onto dry land. And when he finally did decide to do so, he would arrive with mud socks on all of his fours, courtesy the silt lining the banks. Sauntering into the house, his dark brown footprints behind him, Blackie would be oblivious to my granddad’s rants and threats of a spanking. After all, he knew he was the uncrowned king of the home.

I don’t remember when exactly Brownie and Blackie passed away, but I know that they did in quick succession and on account of a grand old age. And although my memory of them is rather restricted, they were my first loves and my ushers into the fascinating world of dogs.

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I don’t know about you, but my life would be incomplete without my dogs. No feeling in the world can equal the joy of being welcomed home after a hard day at work with a “Woof!” and a vigorously wagging tail. An enthusiastic dog digging its wet nose into your sleepy face can give even your best alarm clock a run for its money. If you are bored to exercise alone, turn to your dog. You will either enjoy a pleasurable stroll around the block or be taken for a walk instead! A dog is a comforter in every situation…be it cold weather, a broken heart or just plain loneliness. Its unconditional love is unrivaled. Its unrelenting cheerfulness is a soothing balm even in the toughest of times. I could go on about these angels on four legs, but I will stop here and let my posts do the talking. I haven’t said much about myself, but I’m sure that after reading this, you will have guessed anyway. Blackie, Brownie, Bingo, Bimbo, Major, Cara, Phoebe, Major II, Tyler and Misi…my playmates and partners in crime, this blog is dedicated to you.